Uzbekistan to launch international startup competition with $5 million prize fund

The international exhibitions Big 5 Construct Uzbekistan and INDEX Uzbekistan will take place for the first time in Central Asia from October 27 to 29, 2027, at the CAEx exhibition center in Tashkent. These events are organized by dmg events and will attract representatives from the construction industry, real estate, hospitality, and interior design sectors, including both local and international companies.

The exhibitions will showcase construction technologies, materials, engineering systems, interior solutions, and furniture. The organizers aim to create a platform for establishing business connections, exchanging knowledge, and promoting new technologies in the markets of Uzbekistan and Central Asia.

Big 5 Construct Uzbekistan will focus on construction materials, equipment, construction engineering systems, and related services. Meanwhile, INDEX Uzbekistan will concentrate on interior design, furniture, lighting, textiles, finishing materials, and interior items.

The combination of these two exhibitions will allow coverage of all stages of project implementation—from initial design and construction to final finishing and interior furnishing.

Matt Denton, president of dmg events, noted that Uzbekistan is rapidly transforming into one of the most promising markets in Central Asia, opening significant opportunities for the construction industry and related sectors.

He added that the launch of these exhibitions will bring two international brands with many years of experience and extensive professional networks to the region.

Attendees are expected to include developers, hotel owners and operators, contractors, consultants, architects, designers, government officials, and distributors. Visitors will be able to learn about new products and solutions, find suppliers, and establish business contacts.

According to the press release, the development of the construction industry and urban infrastructure aligns with the priorities of the Uzbekistan-2030 strategy, which provides for the modernization of cities, expansion of housing construction, improvement of transport links, and strengthening industrial potential.

The organizers also emphasized the potential arising from the development of housing construction, infrastructure, the hospitality sector, and commercial real estate.

Big 5 Construct is part of dmg events' international portfolio of exhibitions and has a history of over 45 years. INDEX, specializing in interior design, has brought together industry professionals for over 35 years. dmg events annually organizes more than 115 major events in over 25 countries, and its portfolio includes the sectors of construction, hospitality, interior design, energy, and transport.

President of Uzbekistan Shavkat Mirziyoyev inspected the operation of the Wosune Food Ingredients Karshi enterprise, located in the Kashkadarya Free Economic Zone.

This facility specializes in the deep processing of local fruits and vegetables, producing more valuable ingredients for both domestic and international markets. The $8.5 million project was implemented with the participation of the American company Wosune International Inc. and has created 150 permanent jobs.

The plant's production focuses on drying carrots, bell peppers, pumpkins, apples, green onions, spinach, and other leafy vegetables. Convection dryers are used to preserve the natural taste and nutritional properties of the raw materials. Approximately 30% of the production processes are automated using robotics.

The resulting ingredients are supplied to manufacturers of preserves, spices, fast foods, and cosmetics. The company exports its products to the markets of Russia, European countries, and CIS countries. Wosune International plans to increase the annual export volume to $40 million. To ensure a stable supply of raw materials, the company intends to establish direct partnerships with farms in the Kashkadarya region. During his visit, Mirziyoyev observed the production process and the finished products of the plant.